The best-kept secrets of Disney World and Disneyland

Yes, we all know Walt Disney World is a magical place where magic is made and where magic happens and that magic is wonderful and magic is all around us…but did you know there’s quite a few “secrets” to discover about the most magical place on earth? We scoured the planet and hunted down some of the world’s experts on all things Disney and here’s what they say are the most secretest secrets you need to know before you plan your trip to Disney World or Disneyland. I present to you, some of the best-kept secrets of Disney World.

1.) Arrive 15 minutes before the park opens and you will be able to see the Train Station Welcome Show. It sets the mood for a magical day. You won't want to miss it!

2.) Stay 30 minutes after the park closes so you can indulge in the magic of The Kiss Goodnight, this plays every 30 minutes, and it is a breathtaking display of lights on the Cinderella Castle for 2 minutes, while music from When You Wish Upon a Star slowly builds up. It's a great opportunity for the most amazing pictures, too!

3.) Speaking of photos, PhotoPass Cast Members will take free photos of your family with your camera or phone, just make sure to adjust your settings. They are great at capturing great memories, and very friendly... plus, you know they won't run off with your smart phone.

4.) Most people want their picture taken from the front Cinderella Castle, but the back of the Castle is equally gorgeous, more unique, and a lot less crowded.

A wedding ring embedded in the pavement. Look closely for the Haunted Wedding Ring embedded in the pavement around the Haunted Mansion. Although sometimes removed, this has become a fan-favorite to search for. Back in the day, the exit for the Haunted Mansion used to be through a turnstile that let guests off at Liberty Square. When the turnstile was removed, a bit of the machinery was left in the ground. Many people thought it resembled a wedding ring, and a legend was born.

After the ring was finally paved over fans became upset. Over the years the fake ring became a popular spot for people to propose. Little did they know they were proposing to their loved ones over a piece of broken pipe. But, whatever, love is silly. Anyhow, because it was such a fun little Easter Egg to find when visiting. So, the Disney Imagineers decided to add an official haunted ring to the ride. The only problem, you have to find it. But, don't worry Disney cast members are totally happy to help you find the haunted mansion wedding ring!

Walking along Main Street in the Magic Kingdom Park walk through the gates and under the train station. When you look up to see Cinderella’s Castle you’ll notice a hat store, inside there’s an old-fashioned telephone. Pick it up and eavesdrop on a funny conversation.

At Hollywood Studio’s Muppet attraction if you go to the “ticket office” it says closed, but there’s a sign that says “Key Under the Mat”, and sure enough if you lift the mat, there’s a key! Great photo op!

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According to Anna Hider, there are tons of things that you never knew that you could do at Disney World!

-They offer surfing lessons at Typhoon Lagoon

-Also at Typhoon Lagoon, you can swim with sharks in Shark Reef

-You can learn to ride a horse at Tri-Circle-D Ranch

-And if you're an aspiring Imagineer (Disney's high-level creative thinkers) you can have lunch with one

-And future race car drivers can hit up Epcot's Test Track

-Get a great view of the park from a hot air balloon above Disney Springs

-And get spruced up with a haircut from Harmony Barber Shop in the Magic Kingdom

You can watch the Electrical Water Pageant from outside of Magic Kingdom, because it floats across the Seven Seas lagoon at night. Kevin Barry of frugalmouse.com notes that the best places to view it outside the park for free are Disney Grand Floridian, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Contemporary Resort. According to Barry you can also join Chip and Dale at Fort Wilderness for a campfire sing-along every night at 8PM.

Did you know that Disneyland in California allows feral cats to roam the park at night? According to Will Owen of TravelStrong.net it’s to keep the mouse population under control. There’s even feeding stations set up throughout the park to keep the kitties fed. What would Mickey and Minnie think!?